A fake poverty that my parent build for me novel

04 There are , there are ! I was just waiting for you to say yes ! Professor Joes excitement was palpable through the phone .

Youre my best student , Naomi .

If you go abroad to further your studies , your future will be limitless ! I felt my throat tighten .

But , Professor , the tuition and living expenses … The school will cover it all .

You dont have to worry about a thing .

Hearing those words , a wave of emotions surged within me .

A mix of relief , gratitude and something I hadnt felt in a long time warmth .

Thank you , Professor ! I whispered , my voice trembling .

After hanging up , I sat in silence for a long moment , letting the reality of my decision sink in .

Just then , the front door creaked open .

Little Feather , come see what we brought you ! Moms cheerful voice rang through the house .

I stepped out of my room and found them holding a bag of my once favorite candy canes .

Little Feather , were sorry about last night , Mom said as she placed the candy in my hand .

She stroked my hair gently , her voice filled with false remorse .

Once we come back from this business trip , well take you to the movies .

Dad nodded .

Ill buy you two buckets of popcorn then .

I stared at them , my expression unreadable .

Okay , I replied flatly .

They took my response as a sign that everything was back to normal .

Without another word , they hurriedly packed their things , left a hundred dollar bill on the table and prepared to leave once more .

Just as they were stepping out the door , Mom turned back , her expression slightly nervous .

Oh , by the way , if any packages arrive in the next few days , dont open them , alright ? I nodded mechanically , though my mind was already racing .

Theyve never specifically told me not to open a package before .

Which meant it had to be from Celline .

Sure enough , that evening , the doorbell rang .

A courier stood outside , holding a small parcel .

I signed for it , hesitating for only a second before flipping it over to check the senders address .

My suspicion was right .

This was for Celline .

Mom and Dad didnt want her coming to the house directly , S had her packages sent here instead .

Something inside me snapped .

Before I left , there was one thing I needed to know what was so special about Celline ? What made her more deserving of my parents love than me ? I followed the address to a grand , detached villa .

Two bodyguards stood at the entrance , keeping watch .

The doors were slightly ajar and through the gap , I could see Celline seated at an elegant grand piano , playing effortlessly .

She wore a noble , custom tailored dress .

She looked graceful , refined everything I wasnt .

Compared to my simple , worn out clothes , the difference between us was staggering .

One of the guards caught sight of me and scowled .

Go beg for food somewhere else .

This isnt a place for the like of unu Catlost .

ey A Fake Poverty that My Parent Build for Me I didnt move .

I couldnt .

I just stood there , frozen , staring inside .

Celline must have noticed me because she suddenly lifted her hands from the piano keys and gracefully stood up .

With a slight smirk , she glanced at the bodyguards .

Let her in .

I stepped inside , my eyes darting around the luxurious interior .

Chandeliers , marble floors , priceless paintings -everything exuded wealth .

Memories of my cramped little bedroom flashed through my mind, making my chest tighten with resentment .

D Have you always believed you lived a happy life ? That your classmates and teachers envied you for having such loving parents ? Cellines voice was soft , almost pitying .

I clenched my fists .

What are you trying to say ? What Im saying is , she continued , tilting her head slightly , your so called happiness is nothing but a joke .

A cold smirk played on her lips as she gestured around the room .

Look at this villa .

Look at my piano .

Look at the dress Im wearing .

Every single thing here is custom made , designed specifically for me .

She took a step closer .

And what have Mom and Dad given you? Hand me down clothes ? Leftover food ? Her voice dropped to a whisper , taunting .

Oh and lets not forget while you were staying up late, working hard and worrying about them , they were here .

With me .

Each word cut deeper than the last .

I could feel the tears stinging my eyes , but I refused to let them fall .

I worked hard .

I studied .

I gave up everything for them ! My voice cracked .

Why … why wasnt that enough ? Celline chuckled , her tone dripping with mockery .

Because youre ugly and dull .